THE Princes Risborough branch of the Royal British Legion has been told to close by March 8, it has been confirmed.

Branch members have received a letter from legion HQ saying they must remove all memorabilia before the Memorial Hall in Bell Street closes its doors on March 8. Risborough bosses are looking for alternative premises.

An un-named buyer – which members believe to be a property developer - bought the hall's lease at the end of last year.

National chiefs have refused to name the buyer because of 'commercial confidentiality'.

Vice chairman of the branch's committee Victor Heron said: “It is practically an eviction notice. We are very upset about it.

“They are supposed to be a caring organisation but there is no offer of any help- no suggestion of where we put our stuff or anything at all.”

There has been outrage in the town over the closure, which comes just 18 months after the hall re-opened after a £600,000 re-fit.

Members have started a petition opposing the plan.

Mayor Alan Turner said: “It is a disgusting way of carrying on and treating people who have been raising funds for armed forces personnel and their family.

“Last year the November poppy appeal broke the records and in Princes Risborough alone raised £11,000.”

He said: “A lot of people are so disgusted at the way HQ had treated the branch.”

Many said they would give cash to forces support charity Help for Heroes rather than the poppy appeal, he said.

Members of the Princes Risborough branch committee and workers at the club say they have been told a property developer has made an offer on the freehold.

Hugh Phillips, head of HQ membership services, said: “It appears to be progressing well with the potential purchaser.

“I cannot tell you who the purchaser is until such time as the deal is at a delicate negotiation stage and we don't want to prejudice the deal.”

The sale will only be completed if the un-named plan is given council planning permission.